Elisha C. Barlow

Elisha C. Barlow (October 9, 1888 - November 27, 1957) was an American lawyer and politician in Mississippi who represented Lincoln County in the Mississippi Legislature, serving in the Senate from 1928 to 1932 and in the House from 1924 to 1928. He was a district attorney from 1940 to 1948 and 1952 to 1956. He was a Democrat.

Early life Elisha C. Barlow was born on October 9, 1888, in Lincoln County, Mississippi. He had a brother, W. F. Barlow. He graduated from Cumberland University. He served this term from 1924 to 1928.

Lamar Smith case On August 13, 1955, black farmer, World War I veteran, and voting activist Lamar Smith was shot dead in the Brookhaven, Mississippi courthouse lawn. Despite the presence of a large number of people on the courthouse lawn, including the county sheriff, the three white suspects, including one who was covered in blood, were able to leave the lawn without incident. In September 1955, the three suspects were heard before a grand jury composed of 20 white men. Barlow criticized the failure of witnesses to cooperate as well as the sheriff's handling of the case, and promised to continue the investigation. Ultimately, the case was dismissed, and nobody was prosecuted for Smith's murder.

Personal life and death Barlow was a member of the Baptist Church. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Odd Fellows, and the Maccabees. Barlow was married to the former Josie Smith. Their children included a son, named Charles Clayton Barlow, and a daughter, who was married to Carl Craig.

On the afternoon of November 28, 1957, Barlow was driving home after attending a Brookaven-McComb football game when he suddenly died of a heart attack. His eight-year-old grandson, a passenger, was able to safely drive the car to the side of the road near Summit, Mississippi. Barlow was survived by his wife, his son Charles, his daughter Mrs. Craig, his three grandchildren, and his brother W. F. On January 22, 1958, the Mississippi Legislature passed a resolution "commending [his] life of valuable public service and expressing sympathy to [his] family".